Ask Ryloth To Run a Business

[Kist Ke'kolu]

Kist wasted no time as Grace asked if they were ready to go. He gathered the necessary equipment and followed her out of the emporium. The question of who would pilot the ship was brought up as they walked towards the prison. Kist was no ace himself beyond some basic training and it would seem that Raanil was of the same skill level.

"All of my droids are top of the line." The bite in his tone from earlier was now absent considering he had gotten to know Raanil a little more, but it was characteristically blunt. A simple statement of fact. "But I do have just the astromech for you, tuned her up myself." A pity it would now be piloting Raanil's new ship. Kist could have gotten a load of credits for her, but surviving the hijack was pretty crucial to their plans. "She'll suit your new ship nicely."

Soon enough they would be approaching the building in target. "Just need the open data port." He answered Grace's question in a lowered tone. "I can spike into the system there and bypass any firewalls or security protocols. I'll then link into the prison system remotely with my port scanner to send the transfer request. According to the blueprints provided earlier there should be utility port on the exterior of the building. I'll just need you two to cover me while I work."

@Where @Tenia

 

[Grace Zann]

Grace would give her bothan friend a nod as they reached the exterior of the prison, hopefully her and Raanil could buy him enough time. In response to the earlier question of who their ace pilot would be, Grace would explain "Ah, don't worry Raanil. Thanks to that droid of Kist's, I'm sure you'll do fine piloting."

Following the building's plans, the open dataport would be on a terminal to the right of the front entrance... That would be inconvenient for an operation like this. Distracting the streets would probably be necessary... "Alright, I think I can cause a diversion while you work. On my signal, start slicing..."

The woman would sneak off, not exactly explaining what her signal would be. The crime boss would make her way across the street, and then peer from around the corner toward a large landspeeder transporting barrels of water. It was slowly moving past the prison, but once it did, she would reach out with the force. The straps keeping the barrels secure would suddenly snap, sanding water flying down the streets. That was probably the signal...

@Howie Boy @Tenia

 

[Raanil 'Nuz 'Vez' Chal]

The chiss waited for Grace's signal. When she used her magic on a water cart, causing a riot of quarrels among the passing twi'leks, he guessed the signal had been given.
Checking on Kist progress one last time, Raanil tightened his grip onto the key fob of his new vessel and moved toward the hangars, not far from the prison: once the bothan would have finished his slicing, they would need to be aloft as soon as possible.

Quickly, the merc passed through the dusty streets, trying not to look suspicious. Fortunately, the twi'leks seemed to ignore him for the most part.
Raanil was almost half-way to his spaceship, when he noticed a patrol headed for the prison.
< Dank farrik >
The chiss drank from his canteen and moved to intercept the guards. Obviously, he could not pick a fight, unless his wish was to mess up Grace's plan. He desperately thought of a way to distract the patrol without jeopardizing the whole operation.
Until his gaze fell upon his canteen.

< Oi mister! >
Raanil swayed toward the guards, reprising a role he interpreted many nights.
< You got a coin? need to quench some thirst, eh? >
He burped and deliberately tumbled down in front of the twi'leks.
< why don't you forget about the uniform for a minute and > Another burp < and join me for a drink? >
The guards looked at him in disgust, not even dignfying the vagrant with a reply. The whole patrol passed around the pitiful sight, while Raanil tried to stand up clinging to the twi'leks boots. One of the smacked the chiss on the shoulder, repulsed.
< Don't touch me, you filth! >
The merc fell again in the dust.
< Aww, c'mon! don't be like that! >
The patrol resumed its path, but the scene had certainly bought Kist some time. Or so the chiss hoped.
Raanil remained lying in the middle of the street, and took a long sip of flameout.
Funny, they believed he was a drunkard for real.

@Howie Boy @Where

 

[Kist Ke'kolu]

The plan was set. Kist split off from the group and pretended to browse the wares of a nearby street vendor as he waited the "signal". There was a crash, shouts and a gush of water as a cart just so happened to topple over. The Bothan wasted no time as the street descended into chaos as everyone rushed around to see what was the matter. His nimble little legs carried him through the throng of people and he soon scurried around the prison to the utility port.

With a push of a button the computer spike would emerge from his vambrace and he quickly inserted it into the data port. It didn't take too long for it to work its way through the firewalls and soon enough his port scanner had gained remote access to the prison's computer system. Easy enough to get in, but now the hacking protocol he had programmed on his scanner would need time to work its wonders.

The street was still busy with people trying to sort the mess, but Kist spotted a group of guards heading his way. Average citizens probably wouldn't have any idea what Kist was doing, but trained security would at the very least investigate what he was up to. There was no way his program would finish its work before the group was upon him! He had no choice but to abort!

However, just as he was about to pull the plug Raanil would step in to save the day. The drunken act he put on proved an effective distraction as Kist finished his work. Just as the guards shoved Raanil away, Kist would be pulling the spike as the transfer request had now been "officially" submitted. The Bothan would scurry along towards the spaceport and await the others.

@Where @Tenia

 

[Grace Zann]

Grace would smirk as she watched Kist finishing up in the distance, but could see that Raanil was having some trouble with the guards. Thankfully, this wasn't her first rodeo, and she did indeed have an idea. Making her way over to the chiss that clung to the Twi'lek's leg she would shout "Oh Bartholomew, out drinking again I see!" The twi'lek would give her a raised eyebrow in response

The woman would continue "Oh yes, this is my brother, he has a terrible drinking problem! Just horrid. Allow me to get him out of your way." She would then take Raanil by the arm and help him back to his feet. From there she would say, "Let's get you home now."

She would then begin walking with the chiss toward the direction of the spaceport. All was going according to plan so far. Soon, the pair would manage to meet up with Kist in the hanger area. Grace would then present Raanil with his new ship, "A firespray gunship. She's a little bear bones at the moment, but theres more then enough power to disable the prison convoy there."

@Howie Boy @Tenia

 

[Raanil 'Nuz 'Vez' Chal]

Crime lord, force user and actress? Grace was really full of surprises. Raanil felt he had begun to take a liking to his employer. How odd.
They would cross together the marketplace, not daring to exchange any comment, fearing the eyes of the patrol would be still on them. The boss escorted Raanil to his ship: it was a firespray gunship, an older Kuat model still in use, due to its timeless design.
The vessel was somewhat damaged and rusty, however, beneath the Ryloth sunrays it had a dignity which the chromed starfighter around it lacked. It looked like an older veteran amongst rookies, battered but full of experience.
The ship was painted in a muted blue navy, with light brown accents. The chiss loved it.
< Why don't you use that as your ship, Grace? >
The girl smiled in silence.
Of course, now that he had seen the ship, the merc was even more worried. He didn't want to bash his new, beautiful ship into the hangar walls within ten minutes from now.

The duo would then proceed to activate the firespray and approach the entry hatch. A couple of Kist assistants were already there and had brought with them the pressurized suits, along with all the gears they would need for the hijacking.
While entering the ship, Raanil hoped Kist would keep his promise and bring him an astromech as well, otherwise their plan was bound to end in a crash very soon.

@Where @Howie Boy

 

[Kist Ke'kolu]

Kist got to work right away when he arrived at the ship, his partners would not be too far behind. Already some of his assistants had brought some necessary items for the hijacking and he double and triple checked their work. When Grace and Raanil arrived he would let them know of his success. "Everything went as planned with the slice, but I must thank you both for stepping in. Nothing like a bit of theatrics to buy a precious moment. Anyway, the three prisoners will be on the first transport out tomorrow morning which gives us a night to prepare. I still have a remote link into the system so we will be able to know the exact flight they will be transported on. As soon as they leave Ryloth space we will have to hit them before they jump to hyperspace. It'll be a tight window, but nothing we can't handle. What's next I leave to you Grace. We will have to stay clear of Ryloth for some time to make sure we aren't made and it would be best if we left ISC space all together. Are we ready to move to Hypori? Or perhaps we can lay low in Hutt space for some time?" Kist would leave it there and await orders, but as he looked to Raanil he would remember something.

"Oh, Raanil. Allow me to congratulate you on your new vessel by offering a gift." Kist would step to the side to allow view of a newly refurbished astromech droid that wheeled its way towards them. "May she serve you well."

@Where @Tenia

 

[Grace Zann]

Grace would listen closely as Kist explained his plan on how to catch the prison transport. It was a solid, certainly workable plan. Of course, he would ask what their next move was. Grace had plans for both Hypori and Kowak, but the former worked best for a new base of operations. She would explain as much, "I've already sent out word through the syndicates of my plans on Hypori. It's probably best if we go there first. The planet will be our main base of operations in due time..."

Her old friend Kist was even kind enough to grant their newest mercenary a droid companion for the ship, excellent... "I'm sure you'll be a more than adequite pilot now Raanil." She would chuckle.

"Alright. Now that the plan is in order, we all get some rest... Let's meet up here tomorrow morning..."

[The Next Morning]

Grace found herself in the port once again, only half an hour from the prison transfer. Surely Kist and her mercenary friend couldn't be too far behind.

@Where @Howie Boy

 

[Raanil 'Nuz 'Vez' Chal]

Grace had given them the night off before their big day, recommending her associates not to attract any attention.
Raanil stopped by at a dingy street shop, where he haggled trough hand gestures with the rodian behind the counter, and finally managed to pick up a couple of jawa juice bottles. To stay in character, in case he bumped into the guards, he told himself.
With nowhere else to go, the chiss took shelter in the back of Kist shop. The bothan wasn't too happy about it, but didn't really say anything, merely looked disappointed.
The merc spent the night drinking in silence and acquainting himself with D3-Z1. The astromech must've been experimental, or heavily modified by his bothan "friend". From the central, rectangular shaped body, protruded three legs: two were positioned side by side in the back half, while the third one stood solitary in the front. All the appendices terminated with prehensile foot-thingies.
The head of the droid was somewhat flat and circular, with only a large, thick antenna and a couple of "eyes" and dials breaking the smooth surface.
Raanil cleared his throat
< D3 >
D3-Z1 raised its head and pointed his eyes toward him.
< Dhree-woop-bee >
< I guess that's something. Can you pilot this ship? >
The merc proceeded to give the key of the firespray to his new droid. D3 grabbed the thing with his frontal foot and inserted it in a compartment in its head. After a few second, came a verdict.
< Bee-dooo-weepweep >
< yeah, i don't know what that means >
< Beee-dooo-weepweepweep >
< okay, okay, stop. What am i even doing? We'll find a way tomorrow, eh? >
The chiss looked toward the night sky outside the little, greasy window close to his bunk bed
< hopefully>

The next morning Raanil felt like bantha fodder. He didn't get much sleep, in part due to the fact he was terribly nervous about his role in the hijacking, in part because he tried to communicate with D3 all night, with modest results.
The chiss grabbed his disruptor pistol, fixed the trandoshan vibroblade on his shoulder and let D3 climb on his back.
Having made his way to the spaceport, he met Kist, which probably had left hours before him and was now supervising his assistants on the last preparations. The bothan barely nodded toward his colleague.
Grace and Havvs were at a short distance, beneath the shadow casted by the firespray. Grace was warmer to him, but clearly tense.
< So. Are we ready? >

@Howie Boy @Where

 

[Kist Ke'kolu]

Kist hardly slept. The weight of what was to come weighed heavy on his mind and robbed him of his rest. Not only was the mission highly dangerous, but its success was crucial to pushing the Consortium to the next level. If they wanted to compete on the same level as the rest of the Five Syndicates, they must acquire those technicians! As dawn approached the Bothan would leave his bed with a huff. Making the final preparations would at least pass the time.

Grace and Raanil would find Kist busying himself around the ship when they approached. He double, triple and quadruple checked everything that was needed to make this mission a success. "As ready as we can be." Kist answered Raanil. "It's time to board. The transport leaves shortly." He turned and entered the spacecraft. Whenever the other two entered they would see the Bothan bent over a metal tray.

With a snort Kist would consume a line of spice. Most likely a surprising sight for the other two given his personality, but it helped him during high risk maneuvers. Not only did it sharpen his mind, it also numbed him to the potential violence that may come. They would most likely have to take the transport by force and although he was no stranger to murder every little bit helped. Kist was no great warrior and would need a steely resolve to get this done.

WIth everything set and his mind ready for what was to come, Kist took a seat, locked his helmet into place and waited for the droid to launch them into space. "On your order, Grace."

@Where @Tenia

 

[Grace Zann]

It seemed like everyone was ready to go. Raanil had just gotten acquainted with his new co-pilot, while Kist seemed to be in an especially good mood himself. As the two men approached her, Grace would give a bow to them before responding. "We're ready. Lets get that ship into the air... The prison transport will be leaving soon."

The woman would walk up a large flight of metal stairs in the hanger, eventually reaching the door of the Firespray. She would gesture for Raanil to open the door with the key fob. If he did, the door would hiss open to reveal a well organized space. Grace had paid in advance to have the vessel detailed by a local cleaner.

"Well, you and your new friend should do the honors Raanil. Kist and I will be along for the ride."

@Where @Howie Boy

 

[Raanil 'Nuz 'Vez' Chal]

Raanil watched as Grace and Kist walked up the ship's access ramp before him, then turned his gaze to his feet:
The beaten earth of Ryloth's surface had never looked so beautiful to him.
Holding back a sigh, the chiss followed his companions.

The inside of the gunboat was dark, but neat and clean; there was no trace of the rust and nicks of the exterior. Grace had clearly done him a great service.
As his eyes adjusted to the dim light, Raanil first saw Kist snorting a generous dose of spice.
He was seriously tempted to ask the bothan for a taste, but thinking back to his task he quickly discarded the idea.
In the meantime, D3 had jumped off the mercenary's back and was pawing around in the cockpit, occasionally interfacing with various vehicle functions.
The little droid seemed extremely excited and ready for action.
< Dhreeeee-Wapwap >
< Hey, hey, take it easy! let me sit down first >
Raanil still wasn't sure if he and the astromech understood each other. During the night he had managed to understand the basics of the sounds D3 used as language, but understanding technical language in excited situations was a different story.
Lowering himself into the driver's seat, the chiss turned and shouted to the others
< Safety belts! >
He then muttered to himself
< We're gonna need 'em...>
Turning his mind back to his short, terrible pilot training, the mercenary's hands moved on their own, reaching for the levers and buttons needed for takeoff.
< D3, all systems go?! >
< Weee-doop >
< Good, let's get this pile of junk in the air >

An hypothetical twi'lek passing below at this point would have seen the firespray roar and rise majestically several feet above the ground.
Had he then stood by and watched, the twi'lek would have seen that great, majestic machine of death swing dangerously and slam into the hangar wall with a deafening roar.
Meanwhile, inside the ship, Raanil was ranting at the astromech droid
< Easy, damn it! lower the engine's power >
< dooo >
< Before we accelerate we must be in the air! Kist why doesn't this droid have a restraing bolt?! >
Kist, reactions slowed by the spice, didn't answer, but merely looked at him.
The firespray finally became stable and with a low and threatening roar it accelerated, quickly leaving Ryloth's atmosphere.

@Where @Howie Boy @Kist Ke'kolu